This article details how to get your car out of
the snow build-up after a blizzard or a big snow
storm. It's a big job, so using the right tools
and knowing what to do can help the task run more
smoothly. And if you're inwardly groaning at the
task, at least it's a great workout in winter!
!! Steps !!
_ Find your car. After a snowstorm, locating your
car can be tricky sometimes when a row of cars in the street or a
carpark look the same under the snow! Always know where you last left
your car to make it easy to find again during the winter. If you need
to carve out a path to get to your car, do so, as you'll want firm
footing when clearing the car. If you're at work or in a general
carpark, wait for the carpark owners to help clear the driving areas.
* At home, park your car as close to the road as possible so you
don't have to shovel the entire driveway to get out. This will
also help you locate it faster.
* Be prepared. If you park on the street with other cars, put a
stake or pole out near your car beforehand to find it after the
storm. This is especially important if you're parking away from
home, such as for work or shopping.
* If it is in the garage, just get out your shovel and clear around
the entrance and the driveway.
These are great for the ground snow but NOT for your car!Gather
the snow clearing gear. You don't need much but what you do need
must be capable of doing the job without scratching your car.
Shovels have a tendency to scrape cars, even if you're careful
because it's easy to slip and it's hard to know where the snow
ends and the car starts until you've cleared enough snow.
* Only use a soft bristled broomUse a broom with feathered, soft
bristle tips to the main removal work. Don't use gardening bristle
brooms or corn brooms as these will scratch the car.[1] Also take
an ice scraper for the windshield.
* Dress warmly. Be sure to wear gloves as your hands will get
incredibly cold otherwise and you won't be able to keep clearing
the car. Wear layers of clothes, as you might need to remove the
snow jacket if the going gets too hot while clearing off deep
snow.
Start digging out the car. Depending on your
personal strength, the amount of snow piled up
on a car, and the temperature, this task can
take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. It
will be much faster if you can get a helper or
two on the job. The following method is
recommended:
* Start by digging around the wheels and the sides of the car,
especially the driver's door.
* Shovel the removed snow well away from the car, other cars, and
pedestrian walkways. The intention is to clean your car without
creating more snow hazards.
* Brush the snow off the roof onto the ground.
Since much of this will fall onto the hood of the car, also brush
it off the hood. Don't leave snow on the roof or hood of the car.
While it seems easier, it's a road hazard because it can blow onto
your windshield blocking your view, or large chunks can blow onto
other driver's windshields and block their view.[2] If your
vehicle is higher than you, use a small step ladder and a broom to
push off the snow.
* Use a scraper to clear the windshield, side
windows, side mirrors, back window and any parts of the roof and
hood that are not yet free of ice. Do *not* pour warm water on the
windshield as this will cause the glass to crack!
* After a major blizzard, snow may have filled
the engine compartment. If so, prop the hood open, remove the
snow, dry the spark plug wires and leave the hood open to let
everything dry off.
Try to unlock door with the key if the car
doesn't have a remote. As soon as you can get
into the car, if your locks aren't frozen,
start the car and turn on the heat and
defrosters. The heat from the heater and
defrosters will help the car to warm up and
melt snow and ice while you continue to clear
it off. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and
only have the engine on while clearing snow
when the car is outside, never when the car is
in shelter as the build-up of carbon monoxide
is toxic.
* If it doesn't open, use lock de-icer or clean and try another door
if you don't have any de-icer on hand.
* If you don't have any de-icer on hand, using a lighter or match to
heat up your key before attempting to unlock your door. This may
work as the heat will melt the ice; try several times if needed.
* Clear snow away from the tailpipe. The
exhaust must be able to flow freely from the tailpipe or it may
build up in the car's interior.
* Free up the wipers, if frozen. If they were
running when you stopped the car, it may damage the wiper motor if
you start the car and they are not free to move.
* For where it gets really_ cold and your car's sluggishStart
the car. Turn on the heat and rear defroster. Wait a few minutes
for the car to warm up. Then get in and drive the car as usual,
provided your driveway is clear.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* _ In the winter, have lock de-icer on hand in
your home. Don't store the de-icer in_ your car!
* For neat freaks, consider shoveling the entire driveway before you
drive away. That way, no snow can get packed into ice on your
surface.
* If you live in a snow-belt area, plan ahead. If your car could be
completely buried by snow, a friendly snow plower may not be able
to identify it as something to avoid. In such cases, make
alternative plans to park your car overnight.
* Try not to let snow pile up on your car for days and days; you
will have an enormously difficult task if you allow this to
happen!
!! Warnings !!
* Be careful of your shovel getting close to your car frame. If you
aren't careful, the shovel _will_ scratch your car. Brooms are
safer.
* Be careful where you leave the shoveled snow; it can soon pile up
around you and other parts of the car if you haven't been removing
it far away enough from the car.
* It is illegal to drive with snow packed on your roof in some
places; even where it's not illegal, it's hazardous and should not
be done. Also, as the car warms, the bottom layer on your roof
melts causing the snow and ice to slide onto your windshield when
you apply your brakes.
* If your locks are frozen, do _not_ force them. You may end up
needing a locksmith if you do.
* Do not idle your car in your garage or any other shelter. The
buildup of carbon monoxide could be fatal.
!! Things You\'ll Need !!
* Soft broom for car
* Shovel for ground snow
* Lock de-icer
* Windshield scraper (ice scraper)
* If you use water, only use cold water
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to De ice Your Windshield
* How to Get Your Car out of the Snow
* How to Build an Igloo
* How to Prepare a Home for Winter Vacancy
* How to Treat Frostbite
* How to Avoid Catching a Cold or Getting the Flu
* How to Make a Snowman
* How to Build a Snow Cave
* How to Make a Snow Fort
* How to Shovel Snow
* How to Enjoy Cloudy and Rainy Weather Outside
* How to Be Safe During a Landslide
!! Sources And Citations !!
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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